Mysterious fennel: what is it?

Everyone, perhaps, heard that there is such a useful plant - fennel. What it is? To answer this question without difficulty, not everyone can. But it has been used for food for thousands of years.

First of all, this plant, resembling dill, is valued for its delicate aroma, which is a bit like the smell of aniseed liqueur. A sweetish fruit-bulbs excellently stimulate digestion. Seeds in the bunches after the withering of the yellow flower harden. They are used as a spice, eating whole or already ground.

Use of the plant

Many dishes of Mediterranean cuisine include fennel. What it is? This can tell only a person who managed to try this peculiar spice. Before consumption, the seeds can be fried, so that the taste is felt fuller, or you can grind the grains in a mortar. This ingredient is used in many spice mixtures: in curry, provencal and Chinese condiments. This spice well underlines the taste of fish, sausages, baked goods and liqueurs.

Preparation for use

Preparation of fennel passes several stages:

1. Young petioles can be served as a dish of fresh vegetables. Leaves are used in salads or as a filling for fish.
2. The bulb should be rinsed with water and cut off the roots.
3. Prepared fennel cut in half or 4 pieces, if you want, you can remove the middle.

Modern housewives will confirm that in many recipes fennel is found. What it is, it is necessary to learn before buying, so that the young housewife was fully armed before the beginning of the culinary experiments.

Beneficial features

Many have heard about the benefits of such a product as fennel. What is it, it is better to ask people who eat its fruits, especially in the autumn-winter period. It is believed that this plant is able to protect immunity in the cold season. Also, the broth of fennel is widely used instead of "dill water" for infants, experiencing digestive problems in the first days of life.

Contraindications

Fruits and seeds should not be eaten during pregnancy and lactation, and children up to six years of age. In this case, the grains, leaves and root are absolutely harmless, and the oil that is released from the seeds is very toxic. It categorically can not be taken for food to people suffering from hypertension or epileptic seizures.

Interesting Facts

The sweet fennel, as this name is also called, was popular in antiquity, with many legends associated with it. The Greeks considered the plant to be the plant of victory. In the Middle Ages it was believed that this is a magical plant, the seeds of which will protect from spirits. The Puritans used to eat his grains to eliminate dry mouth during prolonged prayers.

Fennel-based tea

Young mothers are especially interested in how to make tea for children with fennel. Reviews make it clear that everything is in vogue, and few ready to use ready-made infusions in the pharmacy. To prepare tea yourself, you need to pour a teaspoon of ground fennel seeds with boiling water and insist for about half an hour. Prepared drink should be filtered and cooled. This tea can be added to milk or baby food.

Be careful: the baby may have an allergic reaction to an unfamiliar product. Therefore, do not give fennel babies without first consulting a doctor.